GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Makeup Industry Statistics

Sustainable practices in makeup grow as consumer demand and eco-friendly innovations increase.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Over 70% of consumers prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility

Statistic 2

About 60% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainable makeup products

Statistic 3

50% of consumers check for eco-labels before purchasing makeup products

Statistic 4

About 80% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of their makeup

Statistic 5

Only around 35% of makeup companies have sustainable supply chain certifications

Statistic 6

Consumer awareness campaigns about sustainable makeup have increased brand engagement by 22%

Statistic 7

The percentage of vegan and cruelty-free makeup products increased by 20% between 2020 and 2023

Statistic 8

65% of consumers consider sustainability as a key factor in their purchase decisions for makeup

Statistic 9

25% of consumers are more likely to purchase makeup brands that participate in environmental restoration activities

Statistic 10

The percentage of companies using cruelty-free certifications in their marketing increased from 40% in 2020 to 65% in 2023

Statistic 11

52% of consumers have switched to more sustainable makeup brands in the past two years, citing environmental concerns

Statistic 12

The percentage of consumers buying from brands with sustainable initiatives increased by 30% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 13

The use of natural preservatives in makeup products has increased by 22%, reducing reliance on synthetic preservatives

Statistic 14

About 50% of new makeup products launched in recent years contain eco-friendly certifications or labels

Statistic 15

Companies that promote sustainability see a 15% higher customer loyalty rate compared to traditional brands

Statistic 16

55% of makeup consumers are willing to pay a premium for brands that show genuine commitment to sustainability

Statistic 17

The percentage of consumers actively seeking cruelty-free makeup options increased from 50% in 2020 to 75% in 2023

Statistic 18

The percentage of consumers who prefer brands with transparent ingredient lists has risen to 68% in 2023, from 48% in 2019

Statistic 19

Only 10% of beauty brands have transparent sustainability reports

Statistic 20

The global beauty industry is responsible for approximately 120 billion units of packaging waste annually

Statistic 21

Only about 25% of makeup packaging is recyclable

Statistic 22

Only 15% of makeup brands currently use fully sustainable sourcing practices

Statistic 23

Approximately 90% of makeup products contain microplastics, which contribute to environmental pollution

Statistic 24

The carbon footprint of the beauty industry is estimated to be around 2-5% of global emissions

Statistic 25

The average eco-conscious makeup brand emits 30% less greenhouse gases than conventional brands

Statistic 26

78% of consumers want brands to disclose their environmental impact transparently

Statistic 27

Eco-conscious brands are more likely to utilize renewable energy sources in their manufacturing facilities, with 65% adopting solar or wind energy

Statistic 28

The average carbon footprint per product is 15% lower in sustainable makeup brands compared to traditional brands

Statistic 29

The average water consumption per unit of makeup product has decreased by 25% due to waterless formulations

Statistic 30

The vegan makeup market is projected to reach $23 billion by 2028, growing annually by 6%

Statistic 31

The demand for mineral-based makeup increased by 18% from 2020 to 2023, driven by eco-friendly trends

Statistic 32

Waterless makeup products, which significantly reduce water usage, have seen a 30% increase in market presence since 2021

Statistic 33

Biodegradable glitter and shimmer products have gained popularity, increasing market share by 12% in the last two years

Statistic 34

The number of sustainable makeup products launched globally increased by 50% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 35

Organic and natural makeup sales grew by 28% in 2022, outpacing traditional makeup sales

Statistic 36

Skin-safe and hypoallergenic makeup products with sustainable packaging have grown by 15% annually

Statistic 37

The adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing processes in the makeup industry increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 38

The market share of algae-based and other sustainable active ingredients in makeup grew by 20% from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 39

Nearly 80% of makeup brands are considering or actively implementing circular economy models

Statistic 40

Plastic-free packaging options in makeup are projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% through 2025

Statistic 41

Sustainability-focused startups in the makeup industry have grown by 35% since 2020, highlighting rising entrepreneurial interest

Statistic 42

60% of makeup brands now include sustainability messaging in their marketing campaigns, compared to 25% five years ago

Statistic 43

The use of mineral sunscreens and mineral-based makeup products increased by 14% in recent years, due to their eco-friendly profile

Statistic 44

The adoption of eco-friendly production standards such as B Corp certification in the makeup industry has increased by 25% since 2021

Statistic 45

Up to 35% of the ingredients in conventional makeup products are synthetic chemicals

Statistic 46

The use of biodegradable packaging in makeup products has increased by 40% in the last five years

Statistic 47

The average makeup product contains over 40 chemical ingredients, many of which are not eco-friendly

Statistic 48

Eco-conscious packaging accounted for 34% of new packaging innovations in 2023 within the cosmetics industry

Statistic 49

Refillable makeup products are expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% over the next five years

Statistic 50

Sustainable ingredients in makeup products have grown by 25% in the last three years

Statistic 51

45% of makeup brands have introduced eco-friendly packaging in their product lines over the past two years

Statistic 52

The use of recycled plastic in makeup packaging has increased by 45% over the past four years

Statistic 53

The average shelf life of eco-friendly makeup products is longer due to fewer synthetic preservatives

Statistic 54

The use of plant-based ingredients in makeup products increased by 35% in the past three years

Statistic 55

The majority of ingredients in sustainable makeup are sourced from regions with strict environmental standards, accounting for 70% of the supply chain

Statistic 56

The rise of upcycled ingredients in makeup formulations grew by 28% from 2020 to 2023, supporting waste reduction efforts

Statistic 57

Compostable makeup packaging increased by 18% in market availability in 2023, indicating a shift towards fully compostable solutions

Statistic 58

The average lifespan of eco-friendly makeup products tends to be 10% longer due to natural formulations

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global beauty industry is responsible for approximately 120 billion units of packaging waste annually
Over 70% of consumers prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility
Only about 25% of makeup packaging is recyclable
Up to 35% of the ingredients in conventional makeup products are synthetic chemicals
The use of biodegradable packaging in makeup products has increased by 40% in the last five years
About 60% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainable makeup products
Only 15% of makeup brands currently use fully sustainable sourcing practices
The vegan makeup market is projected to reach $23 billion by 2028, growing annually by 6%
50% of consumers check for eco-labels before purchasing makeup products
Approximately 90% of makeup products contain microplastics, which contribute to environmental pollution
Only 10% of beauty brands have transparent sustainability reports
The average makeup product contains over 40 chemical ingredients, many of which are not eco-friendly
Eco-conscious packaging accounted for 34% of new packaging innovations in 2023 within the cosmetics industry

As consumers increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, the makeup industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward sustainability—fueling a 50% increase in eco-friendly product launches since 2020 and prompting brands to innovate with biodegradable packaging, waterless formulations, and transparent supply chains.

Consumer Preferences and Behavior

Over 70% of consumers prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility
About 60% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainable makeup products
50% of consumers check for eco-labels before purchasing makeup products
About 80% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of their makeup
Only around 35% of makeup companies have sustainable supply chain certifications
Consumer awareness campaigns about sustainable makeup have increased brand engagement by 22%
The percentage of vegan and cruelty-free makeup products increased by 20% between 2020 and 2023
65% of consumers consider sustainability as a key factor in their purchase decisions for makeup
25% of consumers are more likely to purchase makeup brands that participate in environmental restoration activities
The percentage of companies using cruelty-free certifications in their marketing increased from 40% in 2020 to 65% in 2023
52% of consumers have switched to more sustainable makeup brands in the past two years, citing environmental concerns
The percentage of consumers buying from brands with sustainable initiatives increased by 30% from 2020 to 2023
The use of natural preservatives in makeup products has increased by 22%, reducing reliance on synthetic preservatives
About 50% of new makeup products launched in recent years contain eco-friendly certifications or labels
Companies that promote sustainability see a 15% higher customer loyalty rate compared to traditional brands
55% of makeup consumers are willing to pay a premium for brands that show genuine commitment to sustainability
The percentage of consumers actively seeking cruelty-free makeup options increased from 50% in 2020 to 75% in 2023
The percentage of consumers who prefer brands with transparent ingredient lists has risen to 68% in 2023, from 48% in 2019

Consumer Preferences and Behavior Interpretation

With over 70% of consumers demanding eco-conscious brands and 68% scrutinizing ingredient transparency, it's clear that the makeup industry’s shift towards sustainability isn’t just a trend—it's a foundational change, as companies only trailing behind with 35% holding sustainable certifications risk losing the beauty battle to brands that combine glam with green.

Corporate Transparency and Ethical Practices

Only 10% of beauty brands have transparent sustainability reports

Corporate Transparency and Ethical Practices Interpretation

With only 10% of beauty brands shedding light on their sustainability efforts, the industry’s eco-commitment remains as opaque as a smoky eye—leaving consumers to wonder if their choices truly make a difference.

Environmental Impact and Carbon Footprint

The global beauty industry is responsible for approximately 120 billion units of packaging waste annually
Only about 25% of makeup packaging is recyclable
Only 15% of makeup brands currently use fully sustainable sourcing practices
Approximately 90% of makeup products contain microplastics, which contribute to environmental pollution
The carbon footprint of the beauty industry is estimated to be around 2-5% of global emissions
The average eco-conscious makeup brand emits 30% less greenhouse gases than conventional brands
78% of consumers want brands to disclose their environmental impact transparently
Eco-conscious brands are more likely to utilize renewable energy sources in their manufacturing facilities, with 65% adopting solar or wind energy
The average carbon footprint per product is 15% lower in sustainable makeup brands compared to traditional brands
The average water consumption per unit of makeup product has decreased by 25% due to waterless formulations

Environmental Impact and Carbon Footprint Interpretation

While the beauty industry glamorizes its sustainability efforts, with eco-conscious brands reducing emissions and water usage, a staggering 75% of packaging remains unrecyclable, and microplastics still pollute our environment—reminding us that beauty shouldn't come at the planet's expense, despite consumers demanding transparency and brands claiming green credentials.

Market Growth and Industry Trends

The vegan makeup market is projected to reach $23 billion by 2028, growing annually by 6%
The demand for mineral-based makeup increased by 18% from 2020 to 2023, driven by eco-friendly trends
Waterless makeup products, which significantly reduce water usage, have seen a 30% increase in market presence since 2021
Biodegradable glitter and shimmer products have gained popularity, increasing market share by 12% in the last two years
The number of sustainable makeup products launched globally increased by 50% from 2020 to 2023
Organic and natural makeup sales grew by 28% in 2022, outpacing traditional makeup sales
Skin-safe and hypoallergenic makeup products with sustainable packaging have grown by 15% annually
The adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing processes in the makeup industry increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023
The market share of algae-based and other sustainable active ingredients in makeup grew by 20% from 2021 to 2023
Nearly 80% of makeup brands are considering or actively implementing circular economy models
Plastic-free packaging options in makeup are projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% through 2025
Sustainability-focused startups in the makeup industry have grown by 35% since 2020, highlighting rising entrepreneurial interest
60% of makeup brands now include sustainability messaging in their marketing campaigns, compared to 25% five years ago
The use of mineral sunscreens and mineral-based makeup products increased by 14% in recent years, due to their eco-friendly profile
The adoption of eco-friendly production standards such as B Corp certification in the makeup industry has increased by 25% since 2021

Market Growth and Industry Trends Interpretation

As the makeup industry gravitates toward greener glamour, with vegan markets booming to $23 billion and sustainable innovations multiplying faster than glitter at a festival, it's clear that beauty is no longer just skin-deep — it's earth-deep.

Sustainable Packaging and Ingredients

Up to 35% of the ingredients in conventional makeup products are synthetic chemicals
The use of biodegradable packaging in makeup products has increased by 40% in the last five years
The average makeup product contains over 40 chemical ingredients, many of which are not eco-friendly
Eco-conscious packaging accounted for 34% of new packaging innovations in 2023 within the cosmetics industry
Refillable makeup products are expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% over the next five years
Sustainable ingredients in makeup products have grown by 25% in the last three years
45% of makeup brands have introduced eco-friendly packaging in their product lines over the past two years
The use of recycled plastic in makeup packaging has increased by 45% over the past four years
The average shelf life of eco-friendly makeup products is longer due to fewer synthetic preservatives
The use of plant-based ingredients in makeup products increased by 35% in the past three years
The majority of ingredients in sustainable makeup are sourced from regions with strict environmental standards, accounting for 70% of the supply chain
The rise of upcycled ingredients in makeup formulations grew by 28% from 2020 to 2023, supporting waste reduction efforts
Compostable makeup packaging increased by 18% in market availability in 2023, indicating a shift towards fully compostable solutions
The average lifespan of eco-friendly makeup products tends to be 10% longer due to natural formulations

Sustainable Packaging and Ingredients Interpretation

As the makeup industry shifts towards greener formulations and packaging—bolstered by a 40% rise in biodegradable packaging and a 45% surge in recycled plastics—it's clear that beauty is increasingly becoming both more sustainable and longer-lasting, though with over 35% synthetic chemicals still lurking in many products, there's a luminous path ahead for brands willing to blend beauty with responsibility.